ODESSA, Texas – Both the Odessa Jackalopes and Tulsa Oilers remained reasonably hot over the past week. For the Jacks, the issue has been that the other teams in the conference are now playing well and catching up in games played. To that end the Allen Americans have closed some of the divide separating Odessa from the rest of the teams. With two games in hand the Americans trail by 5 points in the standings.
Photo by Les Stockton
Meanwhile, the Oilers have managed just the opposite. Last week a mere point kept Tulsa in the top spot in the Northern Conference. This week sees a full 5 points between them and the Eagles in Colorado.
In Odessa, the word is offense. Through 16 games the Jacks have potted 75 goals and surrendered 46. In Tulsa, the word is home. Actually “home, sweet home” as the Oilers have managed a perfect 7-0-0 record on home ice.
The CHL has been populated for years by teams that have raced to early leads in division and conference races leaving the also-rans in the distance. This year is shaping up in much the same way. Six teams are at or below the 0.500 mark and are desperately looking for points.
Photo by Les Stockton
The defending league champs, Texas Brahmas, find themselves 10 points out of the conference lead. But they have company in the Gorillas who have come back to earth with a thud and the Arizona SunDogs who cannot get any traction this season. The Prescott Valley squad has the worst travel planner in the league with their closest rival in Colorado. While both states are members of the four corners area there are near limitless miles between Prescott Valley and Loveland.
Happy holidays to Pro Hockey News readers.
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Contact the photographer at les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
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